CYCLING: Kinesis UK boost squad to eight riders for 2009

DESPITE losing four of their top riders to other pro teams, Kinesis UK have already set their sights on more podium places next summer by expanding from a six-man team to an eight-strong squad for 2009.

DESPITE losing four of their top riders to other pro teams, Kinesis UK have already set their sights on more podium places next summer by expanding from a six-man team to an eight-strong squad for 2009.

Last year, the Southport based squad helped Kit Gilham pull on the prestigious pink jersey at the eight-day FBD Insurance Ras in Ireland, while Tom Last finished second in the under-23s category at the Tour of Serbia.

Pushing much bigger teams with larger budgets off the podium countless times throughout the 2008 Premier Calendar season became the norm for Kinesis UK, who also started getting some much-needed air-time on TV.

Team manager Chris Truett said: "It was more than we could ever have expected from such a young squad and a small budget. We punched far above our weight this year on the British circuit."

Unfortunately, the limelight also brought with it attention from pro teams, with Matt Cronshaw being snapped up by Rapha-Condor and James Sampson signing for CandiTV-Pinarello, plus both Kit Gilham and Tom Last heading to Sigma-Sport.

Despite the loss of their top riders, Kinesis UK boss Truett remains optimistic – especially since he has boosted the size of his squad with the additions of Alex Bhogal, from Toronto, and Vincent Veilleux, from Quebec.

Truett added: "We have lost most our riders to pro teams, but this has been a good thing for them and the team has moved on.

"It’s disappointing for me as manager that we couldn’t keep them, or have them grow with the team, but we simply couldn’t afford to keep hold of the riders because of our limited budget, so we had to let them go.

"On the upside, the transfer fees we got from Rapha and Pinarello will help us next year and I look forward to receiving some cheques from our directeur sportif to help develop the next bunch of young riders.

"On a more serious note, the team is growing steadily and will be moving up a gear again next year. We are increasing from six riders to an eight-strong premier team, plus we have got a few more sponsors in Powerbar, Rudy Project and a few others, who will be confirmed in the next couple of weeks, so that will help."

Truett is one of those people who never believe in setting their aims low. He had focused firmly on trying to get his young squad into the UCI, but a lack of extra funds due to the credit crunch has halted those plans - for 2009 at least, anyway.

He said: "Because of the current financial climate, companies are holding back in sponsorship. As a result, we had to put our plans for the UCI on hold, which as a manger, I am disappointed with.

"Until the extra money comes in from more sponsorship, we can’t compete in the UCI. But one day we will and, hopefully, we will also be able to enter a team in the Tour of Britain, which is my personal goal."

Kinesis UK have already been invited back to the FBD Insurance Ras in Ireland and also the Tour of Serbia, but this time they will have the two young Canadians racing under Truett’s leadership.

He added: "For next year, I have put together another exciting, young team, but this time with a bit more experience. We have also got two Canadians joining the squad and we are looking forward to having them on board."

Truett said: "I will be expecting more and more from these riders next year. I think we have got a good balance of youth, experience and strength in depth with this team, so I am ready for another great showing in next year’s races.

"As we showed the other big named, big budget teams this year, Kinesis can mix it up with the big boys any day of the week. Plus, with good management and our new bunch of willing, young lads, we will be there again in 2009, pushing for yet more podium places."

Team sponsor, Dom Mason, who is creative designer director at Kinesis UK, said: "Financial times are tough, but we have pulled together some good backing and although we never have the biggest budget out there, we are always the most high profile and well turned out team, mainly thanks to Chris' efforts.

"Our team had some great coverage in magazines, websites and Cycling TV last season and I'm sure that with our new strong line-up, we will repeat this for 2009.

"The Kinesis UK team riders are always very visible. They drive the races and make the breaks, cruising off the back just isn't the way we do it.

"Podium places have never been the most important thing for me. Our reputation is built on the fantastic conduct and approachability of our team and the way that they are turned out and riding at all the races - not just the most high profile ones.

"Our riders are truly ambassadors for our UK products and never fail to do us proud. It should be a busy and exciting season, let’s get those 'big' teams chasing us all the way."